Zenith
['zenɪθ] or ['zɛnɪθ]
Definition
(noun.) the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected.
Typed by Kate--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) That point in the visible celestial hemisphere which is vertical to the spectator; the point of the heavens directly overhead; -- opposed to nadir.
(n.) hence, figuratively, the point of culmination; the greatest height; the height of success or prosperity.
Edited by Jonathan
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Summit, top, apex, pinnacle, acme, utmost height, highest point, culminating point.
Inputed by Errol
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Height, highest_point, pinnacle, acme, summit, culmination, maximum
ANT:Nadir, lowest_point, depth, minimum
Edited by Francine
Definition
n. that point of the heavens which is exactly overhead—i.e. in line with the spectator's position and the centre of the earth (it is thus the upper pole of the spectator's horizon as the nadir is the under pole): greatest height summit of ambition &c.—adj. Zen′ithal.—ns. Zen′ith-dis′tance the angular distance of a heavenly body from the zenith; Zen′ith-sec′tor an instrument for measuring zenith-distances.
Edited by Bonita
Unserious Contents or Definition
To dream of the zenith, foretells elaborate prosperity, and your choice of suitors will be successful.
Typist: Steven
Unserious Contents or Definition
n. The point in the heavens directly overhead to a man standing or a growing cabbage. A man in bed or a cabbage in the pot is not considered as having a zenith though from this view of the matter there was once a considerably dissent among the learned some holding that the posture of the body was immaterial. These were called Horizontalists their opponents Verticalists. The Horizontalist heresy was finally extinguished by Xanobus the philosopher-king of Abara a zealous Verticalist. Entering an assembly of philosophers who were debating the matter he cast a severed human head at the feet of his opponents and asked them to determine its zenith explaining that its body was hanging by the heels outside. Observing that it was the head of their leader the Horizontalists hastened to profess themselves converted to whatever opinion the Crown might be pleased to hold and Horizontalism took its place among fides defuncti.
Editor: Martin
Examples
- Under him the Ottoman power reached its zenith. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- By 1260 the impulse of Mongol conquest had already passed its zenith. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- With its concavity toward the southern sky it was closely comparable, though reverse, to the celestial meridian throughout its length from horizon to zenith. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- The sun passed its zenith, and lingered down the stainless floor of heaven. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- She looked at the sky overhead, and saw that the sapphirine hue of the zenith in spring and early summer had been replaced by a metallic violet. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- It is enough that we remember the close alliance of art, science and politics in Athens, in Florence and Venice at their zenith. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- At her zenith Carthage probably had the hitherto unheard-of population of a million. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Their heads were all reclined, either to the right, or the left; one of their eyes turned inward, and the other directly up to the zenith. Jonathan Swift. Gulliver's Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World.
Inputed by Elliot